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26/09/2011
Contraception 'Confusion' Puts Teens At Risk
Ambiguous laws about contraception are putting young people at risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, say a family planning association.
The legal status on whether young people under the age of 16 can be prescribed birth control devices remains shady.
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) revealed that teenagers would rather run the risk of an unplanned pregnancy or infection than face the possibility of their parents finding out about their sexual activities.
IFPA explained: "The situation is further complicated for medics by the fact that the age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17".
Dr Caitriona Henchion, IFPA medical director, said: “Barriers to sexual health services are dangerous to the health and welfare of young people because they increase their risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs.
Dr Henchion said a lack of clarity is a serious deterrent to young people in need of sexual health services, and also poses a major dilemma for doctors who are ethically required to provide a confidential service which is in the best interest of their client.
"Young people should not have to face uncertainty about services and should be entitled to avail of confidential services without fear of betrayal and without threat of refusal of care," she added.
"In addition, medical professionals deserve the protection of the law when they supply services which, after careful assessment, they decide are in young people’s best interests."
(LB)
The legal status on whether young people under the age of 16 can be prescribed birth control devices remains shady.
The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) revealed that teenagers would rather run the risk of an unplanned pregnancy or infection than face the possibility of their parents finding out about their sexual activities.
IFPA explained: "The situation is further complicated for medics by the fact that the age of sexual consent in Ireland is 17".
Dr Caitriona Henchion, IFPA medical director, said: “Barriers to sexual health services are dangerous to the health and welfare of young people because they increase their risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs.
Dr Henchion said a lack of clarity is a serious deterrent to young people in need of sexual health services, and also poses a major dilemma for doctors who are ethically required to provide a confidential service which is in the best interest of their client.
"Young people should not have to face uncertainty about services and should be entitled to avail of confidential services without fear of betrayal and without threat of refusal of care," she added.
"In addition, medical professionals deserve the protection of the law when they supply services which, after careful assessment, they decide are in young people’s best interests."
(LB)
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